MoS2 nanosheets grown on N-doped carbon micro-tubes derived from willow catkins as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract MoS 2 nanosheets were successfully grown on the surfaces of N-doped carbon micro-tubes derived from willow catkins (MS@NCT) via a one-step hydrothermal method. Each carbon micro-tube is covered with many standing and thin MoS 2 nanosheets (∼10 nm) to form hetero-nanostructures. The N-doped carbon micro-tubes improve the electrical conductivity of MS@NCT, and at the same time, act not only as substrates to disperse active MoS 2 nanosheets but also as buffers to accommodate the large volume strain during cycling. The MS@NCT electrode exhibits good electrochemical performances, delivering a reversible capacity of 752 mAh g −1 at 100 mA g −1 , even 568 mAh g −1 at 500 mA g −1 after 100 cycles. The prepared MS@NCT can be a promising anode material for lithium ion battery.